Bloghttps://www.dakotaranch.org/blog/
Welcome to my blogArticulate, blogging built on Umbraco2918https://www.dakotaranch.org/blog/archive/graduationatdms/
GiftLegacyGraduation from Dakota Memorial School<p> </p>
<p>Like every other child, our Ranch kids are excited for the end of the school year. This week is graduation! We have six young men and women graduating from Dakota Memorial School (DMS) and we are honored to help them celebrate.</p>
<p>Like at all schools and for all kids, graduation is a time filled with mixed emotions. Up until this point, they have worked hard—attending school, completing assignments, controlling their emotions, managing troubling behaviors, developing and refining their social and interpersonal skills, and healing from past traumas. That is a lot to work on at one time. And now they are faced with the age-old dilemma of every graduating senior. Now what?</p>
<p>Most kids are anxious about the unknown that lies in front of them after graduation. For our kids, many who have multiple psychiatric diagnoses and/or complicated histories of abuse, neglect, and instability, the next step is especially intimidating.</p>
<p>And like all graduation seniors, they have big choices to make. Should they go to college, enter the military, go to trade school, attend Job Corp, or find a job? I talked to one young man, who will graduate from DMS next week, and he said he needed more time to decide what he wanted to do. He plans to stay home with his parents, work, and save money for his post-secondary education. "I don't want to rush into something and not be able to handle it," he said. Smart kid!</p>
<p>He is lucky to have a loving family to help him get a strong start. Many of our kids have grown up in the foster care system and don't have this support. Transitioning to the adult world is difficult for everyone—imagine what it must be like for kids who have little to no family support. (We are piloting a program for these kids called Ranch HOME at Northgate—I'll tell you more about that in an upcoming newsletter.)</p>
<p>My prayer for the young men and women graduating next week is that they take what they learned at the Ranch with them and use what they learned to make good choices. Please join me in praying for them as they move forward.</p>
<p>Your ongoing support gives our graduates the opportunity to heal, grow, and learn. Thanks to you, and many people like you, they can now move forward as their best selves God bless you.</p>
<p>With heartfelt gratitude,</p>
<p>Janet Zinke<br />Senior Development Officer<br />Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch</p>
<p><br />Learn more about Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch at<span> </span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/links_trk/aPqU5MTo?RID=1134&amp;SLID=1132">DakotaRanch.org</a>.<br /><br />You can also follow the Ranch on<span> </span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/links_trk/9L5TAS5K?RID=1134&amp;SLID=1132">Facebook</a><span> </span>and<span> </span><strong><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/links_trk/mQa6yZef?RID=1134&amp;SLID=1132">Twitter</a></strong><em>.</em></p>
<p><strong>Personal Planner<br /></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=34&amp;docID=1&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1351">Important Life Decisions</a>. "How can I plan?" asked Mary. "We just sold our home and bought a retirement condo. Our older child just moved across the country and our younger child will be getting married later this year." <a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=34&amp;docID=1&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1351">Click to read more </a></p>
<p><strong>Savvy Living <br /></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=31&amp;docID=798&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1351">The Long-Term Care Benefit Many Veterans Are Missing Out On</a>. I have heard that the VA has a benefit that can help veterans and their spouses with long-term care costs. We recently had to move my 86-year-old father – who served in the army nearly 60 years ago – into an assisted living facility, and my mom is...<a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=31&amp;docID=798&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1351">Click to read more </a></p>
<p><strong>Donor Story<br /></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=3&amp;storyNum=9&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1351">The Retirement Unitrust</a>. Mary grew up on a farm. When her parents passed away, she inherited the farm. Now, several developers would like to build homes on the farmland. <a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=3&amp;storyNum=9&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1351">Click to read more </a></p>
<p><strong>Washington News<br /></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=30&amp;docID=1022&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1351">Senators Thune and Casey Support CHARITY Act</a>. On May 15, Senators John Thune (R-SD) and Bob Casey (D-PA) introduced the Charities Helping Americans Regularly Throughout the Year (CHARITY) Act. The bill expands giving options for IRA charitable rollovers and addresses other charitable provisions. <a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=30&amp;docID=1022&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1351">Click to read more </a></p>
<p><strong>Finances<br /></strong></p>
<p><span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=32&amp;docID=1029&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1351#stocks">Stocks</a></span> - <span>Macy's Earnings Beat Expectations</span> <span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=32&amp;docID=1029&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1351#stocks">Read more</a></span></p>
<p><span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=32&amp;docID=1029&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1351#bonds">Bonds</a></span> - <span>Treasurys Rise on Strong Consumer Sentiment</span> <span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=32&amp;docID=1029&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1351#bonds">Read more</a></span></p>
<p><span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=32&amp;docID=1029&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1351#interest">CDs and Mortgages</a></span> - <span>Mortgage Rates Fall Slightly</span> <span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=32&amp;docID=1029&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1351#interest">Read more</a></span></p>
<p><em>You can receive more articles like this in your weekly inbox! <a href="https://dakotaranch.giftlegacy.com/?pageID=36">Sign up to receive our FREE weekly e-newsletter</a>.</em></p>
<p><em>Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch is a Christian residential treatment and educational center for children and their families. We help the most troubled, complicated, and amazing kids by providing best-in-class psychiatric therapy and trauma-informed care, where we look kids in the eye, walk with them, and help them become their best selves.</em></p>Mon, 20 May 2019 10:16:37 -05002019-05-20T10:16:37-05:002917https://www.dakotaranch.org/blog/archive/meetagain/
GiftLegacyUntil We Meet Again<p>Spring in North Dakota is really a transformation. One moment the entire state is shut down due to a horrible storm with a foot of snow. Seven days later, the snow is gone, it is 75 degrees, the grass is already turning green and the trees are budding.</p>
<p>It always makes me think of my Mom because she really loved this time of year. She would have turned 88 this past April.</p>
<p>My mother was a school teacher and I think she was always trying to help us learn through exploring and adventure. We would do science experiments and go on nature hikes. She would talk fractions and math while we baked. She somehow even managed to make spring cleaning fun.</p>
<p>My mom passed away from Lou Gehrig's Disease in May of 1996. I keep her spirit alive by remembering her to my daughter and playing learning games like, "math hopscotch." Unfortunately, I have not discovered how she made cleaning fun, but I will keep working on it.</p>
<p>On the last day of her life, it was obvious that this world would not hold her much longer. I recall reading a passage from a prayer book that I found at the hospital. It said something like, "When a ship leaves one shore, it is always hard to say goodbye, but remember that there will be others to greet you on the other side. The French carry that idea into every day with their term, 'Au Revoir,' which means 'until we meet again'." The passage seemed so fitting as I thought about how it could apply to meeting again in this life or the next.</p>
<p>We are each the sum of our experiences—my experiences led me to become involved in estate planning. It made sense to me that planning ahead was something we could do to decrease the stress on our loved ones after our passing. The articles at the end of these posts every week highlight some of the most popular tools people use to manage their estates. If you are interested in discussing any of these estate planning options, please call 1-800-344-0957 or go to <a href="http://dbgrgift.org/" target="_blank">www.dakotaranch.org/legacy</a>.</p>
<p>Thank you for all you do to support our children at the Ranch. God bless you.</p>
<p>Au Revoir...until we meet again.</p>
<p>Janet Zinke<br />Senior Development Officer<br />Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch</p>
<p><br />Learn more about Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch at<span> </span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/links_trk/aPqU5MTo?RID=1134&amp;SLID=1132">DakotaRanch.org</a>.<br /><br />You can also follow the Ranch on<span> </span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/links_trk/9L5TAS5K?RID=1134&amp;SLID=1132">Facebook</a><span> </span>and<span> </span><strong><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/links_trk/mQa6yZef?RID=1134&amp;SLID=1132">Twitter</a></strong><em>.</em></p>
<p><strong>Personal Planner<br /></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=34&amp;docID=52&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1345">Bypass the Estate Tax</a>. On January 2, 2013, the President signed into law The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012. <a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=34&amp;docID=52&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1345">Click to read more </a></p>
<p><strong>Savvy Living <br /></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=31&amp;docID=797&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1345">2020 Census Offers Temporary Jobs Ideally Suited for Retirees</a>. The U.S. Census Bureau is in the process of recruiting thousands of workers for temporary jobs to help collect valuable data for the 2020 Census, and retirees are ideal candidates. Can you write a column to get the word out? Thanks for your help! <a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=31&amp;docID=797&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1345">Click to read more </a></p>
<p><strong>Donor Story<br /></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=3&amp;storyNum=8&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1345">Sale and Unitrust</a>. Gene and Carol purchased stock in a small medical service company several years ago. Now, Gene and Carol are looking for a way to save taxes. <a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=3&amp;storyNum=8&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1345">Click to read more </a></p>
<p><strong>Washington News<br /></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=30&amp;docID=1021&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1345">IRS Provides Natural Disaster Preparation Tips</a>. With the 2019 hurricane season right around the corner, the IRS is partnering with the National Weather Service to encourage taxpayers to create or update their emergency plans as part of Hurricane Preparedness week. <a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=30&amp;docID=1021&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1345">Click to read more </a></p>
<p><strong>Finances<br /></strong></p>
<p><span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=32&amp;docID=1028&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1345#stocks">Stocks</a></span> - <span>Disney Delivers Solid Earnings</span> <span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=32&amp;docID=1028&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1345#stocks">Read more</a></span></p>
<p><span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=32&amp;docID=1028&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1345#bonds">Bonds</a></span> - <span>Trade Tensions Pressure Yields Lower</span> <span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=32&amp;docID=1028&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1345#bonds">Read more</a></span></p>
<p><span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=32&amp;docID=1028&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1345#interest">CDs and Mortgages</a></span> - <span>Mortgage Rates Dip Slightly</span> <span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=32&amp;docID=1028&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1345#interest">Read more</a></span></p>
<p><em>You can receive more articles like this in your weekly inbox! <a href="https://dakotaranch.giftlegacy.com/?pageID=36">Sign up to receive our FREE weekly e-newsletter</a>.</em></p>
<p><em>Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch is a Christian residential treatment and educational center for children and their families. We help the most troubled, complicated, and amazing kids by providing best-in-class psychiatric therapy and trauma-informed care, where we look kids in the eye, walk with them, and help them become their best selves.</em></p>Mon, 13 May 2019 17:35:17 -05002019-05-13T17:35:17-05:002896https://www.dakotaranch.org/blog/archive/anger/
Dakota Boys and Girls RanchDakota Family ServicesWhen Your Child Gets Angry<p>By Christy Wilkie, LICSW, Therapist<br>Dakota Family Services</p>
<p>All children have occasional temper tantrums and outbursts. Because they don’t have the internal infrastructure to deal with big emotions, they get frustrated and angry. Other emotions—sadness, irritability, shame, guilt or embarrassment—usually lie at the root of a child’s anger. Anger is the fallback emotion when a child doesn’t have the vocabulary or awareness to explain other more complicated emotions.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.classtools.net/blog/using-plutchiks-wheel-of-emotions-to-improve-the-evaluation-of-sources/" target="_blank" title="Emotional Wheel">The Emotional Wheel</a>, developed by American psychologist Dr. Robert Plutchik, is a useful tool for helping kids identify their feelings. I often refer children to this adaptation of the Emotional Wheel during therapy which comes from <a href="https://www.classtools.net/blog/using-plutchiks-wheel-of-emotions-to-improve-the-evaluation-of-sources/" target="_blank" title="Emotional Wheel">classtools.net</a>. It helps them (and me) identify the emotions beneath their anger so we can address the real issues.</p>
<p><br><br><a href="https://www.classtools.net/blog/using-plutchiks-wheel-of-emotions-to-improve-the-evaluation-of-sources/" target="_blank" title="Emotional Wheel"><img style="width: 500px; height: 494.19568822553896px;" src="https://www.dakotaranch.org/blog/media/64808/emotional-wheel.jpg?width=500&amp;height=494.19568822553896" alt="" data-id="2897"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>In addition to referring to the Emotional Wheel (start in the middle and work your way out to identify the underlying emotions), consider the following suggestions for helping your child manage his or her anger.</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Stay calm.</strong> As hard as it is to keep our own emotions in check when our children are angry, mirroring their anger with our own exacerbates an already difficult situation. Remaining calm when your child is upset sends the message that their emotions are not “wrong.”</li>
<li><strong>Acknowledge and validate your child’s emotions.</strong> Our instinctual response is often to stop any emotion that causes distress. We say things to kids like, “Don’t be angry” and “Act your age.” This sends the message that emotions are not OK. When kids buy into this belief they try to control their emotions and worry they are letting you down. Listening, validating, and helping them regulate their emotions and behaviors sends a much healthier message of support and understanding. Give children permission to express their emotions as they arise to build their emotional intelligence.</li>
</ol>
<ol start="3">
<li><strong>Don’t try to reason with your angry child.</strong> Rationalizing with an angry person, let alone an angry child, is not likely to be very successful. When we are in an emotional state, our rational brains have a difficult time kicking in. Trying to get kids to understand their actions are irrational is likely to make the situation worse. Instead of pointing out why your child “shouldn’t” be upset, offer coping strategies or distractions, calmly and one at a time. <br> <br> For instance, say, “I see you’re upset. Would you like to ___________?” Keep your suggestions simple and straightforward. Offering more than one option may overwhelm your child.</li>
</ol>
<ol start="4">
<li><strong>If you can’t calm your child, be present.</strong> Sometimes you won’t be able to calm your child, and all you can do is support and validate them through their anger. If you need a break, it’s OK to step away if you let your child know where you’re going. Say something like, “I can see that you’re still really angry, and I want to give you some space. I’ll be on the couch until you’re ready to talk to me.” This validates their emotions and sends the message that you are there for them but respect their need for space. When you are ready to re-engage, go back and sit with them through their big emotions.<br><br></li>
<li><strong>Follow up.</strong> When everyone is in a better emotional space, sit down with your child to discuss ways to handle these situations moving forward. What worked? What could you have done differently? Ask your child what they need from you when they are angry. If you lost your temper, which is only too human in these situations, acknowledge what you could have done differently and apologize. Say, “I know I lost my temper, too, and I’m sorry about that.” Apologizing is a powerful message that teaches accountability. </li>
</ol>
<p>If your child's anger is out of control, ask for help from the school counselor or a local counseling agency like Dakota Family Services.</p>
<p>Dakota Family Services <span>is a group of compassionate, practiced experts providing outpatient care—in a collaborative, </span><span>multi-disciplinary setting—for children and adolescents with complex behavioral health issues.</span> For more information, call 1-800-201-6495.</p>
<p>To join Christy and an amazing team of professionals, where you can work with and learn from the best, check out the Dakota Family Services career opportunities at <a href="http://bit.ly/DakotaRanchCareers">http://bit.ly/DakotaRanchCareers</a>.</p>Wed, 08 May 2019 16:05:53 -05002019-05-08T16:05:53-05:002745https://www.dakotaranch.org/blog/archive/twograduates/
Dakota Boys and Girls RanchA Tale of Two Graduates<p>In the Spring of 2018, nine students graduated from Dakota Memorial School--eight in Minot and one in Fargo.</p>
<p>Their stories are inspiring--how they came to the Ranch, the barriers that got in their way, their ultimate success, and their plans.</p>
<p>Two of our graduates asked us to share their stories--hoping to inspire both the students who come after them, and the Ranch donors who made their success possible. Here are their stories of courage and perseverance.</p>
<p><strong>Shawn's Story</strong></p>
<p>When Shawn and his twin brother were only three years old, they were removed from the custody of their parents, who were good people struggling with the demon of alcoholism. They were placed with a relative, who filed first for guardianship and then adoption.</p>
<p>Their adoptive mom moved them from home to home, and when the boys were school-aged, from school to school. Shawn and his brother spent their time in front of the television, were often hungry, and their clothes were too small and filthy.</p>
<p>"My adoptive mom always treated my twin brother and me differently than she treated her children," Shawn said. "We were abused and beaten, and got a little lecture once in a while. When I was old enough to work, I worked two jobs to help her pay the bills, and I still got treated differently."</p>
<p>When they moved to North Dakota, Shawn said he and his brother were home-schooled. "She kept telling me I was going to get my diploma, but all we did is watch TV and play video games all day."</p>
<p>In an unconscious attempt to get himself out of a bad situation, Shawn started acting out. He became belligerent, non-compliant, sometimes violent. After being placed in several out-of-home placements, he came to the Ranch as "incorrigible" and way behind in school. He was old enough to be a junior but had only enough credits to qualify as a freshman.</p>
<p>In his time at the Ranch, Shawn grew (literally - he's now 6'2"), and studied, and went to chapel. He listened, learned, and laughed. He applied for, and received, an on-campus job, then an off-campus job. He went to therapy and Wildlife Club and studied some more. In just one year, Shawn earned enough credits to graduate from high school.</p>
<p>"You know how people do full-time school," Shawn said. "Well, I did overtime school. The hardest class I took was anatomy."</p>
<p>"I wanted to quit that class so bad. I was raised to be a quitter. If I had a job I didn't like, I just quit because that's what I was told to do. I tried to do that here, but the teachers and Mrs. DeGree [Dakota Memorial School-Minot, Principal] wouldn't let me. That was the hardest class in the school and I made a C in it. I'm proud of that!"</p>
<p>Shawn graduated from Dakota Memorial School on time and having truly earned it. In his graduation speech, he said, through tears, his only regret for the day was that his brother didn't have the opportunity to come to the Ranch, and so is not graduating from high school.</p>
<p>While at the Ranch, Shawn reconnected with his birth father, who is now sober and doing well. His father drove from Oklahoma to North Dakota to be with Shawn on his big day--and they are starting a new and exciting chapter in their father-son relationship--a relationship filled with love and support.</p>
<p>"I grew up with people shutting down my dreams," Shawn said. "Here I learned if I work hard I can reach them."</p>
<p><strong>Maddie's Story</strong></p>
<p>Maddie grew up around drugs--they were always around when she visited her dad. Because she saw him try to quit many times, and fail, she remembers telling herself she was never going to try drugs or alcohol. But, then it started to look normal.</p>
<p>"I started hanging out with the wrong people. First, I smoked pot, and then I moved to alcohol. And then I got depressed," Maddie said.</p>
<p>Maddie started getting in trouble at school and at home, and eventually social services got involved. She was hospitalized a couple times for depression, spent time in juvenile detention, lived with a foster family, her grandma, an aunt, a family friend, and several times moved back home with her mom.</p>
<p>She spent seven months at the Ranch in 2015. "When I moved back home I stayed clean and sober for a while," Maddie said. "It was hard to find friends, so I didn't have anybody to hang out with. I went back to my old friends and got in trouble again."</p>
<p>After a couple of difficult years, Maddie decided she was ready to live the life she learned about at the Ranch. She returned to the Ranch in March 2017 and graduated from Dakota Memorial School in 2018. </p>
<p>"I like it here. I'm doing way better than ever. I've been clean for a whole year now. And when I'm here, my relationships with my family are so much stronger," Maddie said.</p>
<p>"In school, I get the support I need. I learn differently than others, and the teachers here teach to my understanding. If I don't understand something, I'm not afraid to ask questions. At my old school, they just handed me the assignment and told me to figure it out."</p>
<p>One of the most valuable lessons Maddie learned at the Ranch was to trust. She learned how to trust others, especially adult men.</p>
<p>"I struggle with trusting adult males because of my dad. I saw him abuse his girlfriend. Then he moved away, and I didn't see him for several years," Maddie said. "It's like I'm afraid of men and it was hard for me to be next to them. Mr. [Jim] Miller [long-time Ranch English teacher] proved to me I can trust him. He's always been kind, and I really trust him. That's something I definitely needed in my life."</p>
<p>As for graduation, Maddie was thrilled to prove to her family and friends she could do it. She never expected to graduate, thinking she would drop out and work the rest of her life. "Now I'm actually going to miss school, and the fun times I had here," Maddie said. "Honestly, without the Ranch, I'd probably be dead from using drugs or suicide. I think about that some days--if it wasn't for this place, I would not be alive."</p>
<p>These are stores from just two of our strong, smart, and amazing kids.</p>
<p>The financial support and prayers of Ranch donors make it possible for children like Shawn and Maddie to take part in this great achievement. High school graduation--something many of our kids never expected to experience.</p>
<p> </p>Tue, 07 May 2019 09:00:00 -05002019-05-07T09:00:00-05:002876https://www.dakotaranch.org/blog/archive/senseoffamily/
GiftLegacyA Sense of Family<p>Prior to coming to the Ranch, I didn't really know what it was or what kind of work was done here. I grew up in Bismarck, so I knew we had a Thrift Store, but that was the only connection I had. I wasn't aware of the larger scope of the services the Ranch provides or that the money raised in the Thrift Stores helped the complicated and amazing kids in Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch Residential Treatment Centers.</p>
<p>When I think about the many ways I have been impacted by the Ranch, I keep coming back to the overwhelming sense of family and belonging that surrounds everything we do. I immediately felt welcomed by everyone I met, from coworkers and board members to the children we serve. I imagine that coming in as a resident can be very scary—suddenly they are surrounded by all of these people they don't know. I hope they feel as welcomed as I did. Many of the kids who come to the Ranch, have no family to support them—the people at the Ranch become their family.</p>
<p>As donors and interested friends of the Ranch, you play a large part in creating that family feeling. Without your prayers and financial support, we wouldn't be able to do the work that we do. We wouldn't be able to create a safe space for our hurting and broken children to come and heal.</p>
<p>I'm so thankful for the Ranch and grateful to be a part of the Ranch family.</p>
<p>God bless you always,</p>
<p>Erinn Dosch<br />Marketing and Communications Associate<br />Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch</p>
<p><br />Learn more about Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch at<span> </span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/links_trk/aPqU5MTo?RID=1134&amp;SLID=1132">DakotaRanch.org</a>.<br /><br />You can also follow the Ranch on<span> </span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/links_trk/9L5TAS5K?RID=1134&amp;SLID=1132">Facebook</a><span> </span>and<span> </span><strong><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/links_trk/mQa6yZef?RID=1134&amp;SLID=1132">Twitter</a></strong><em>.</em></p>
<p><strong>Personal Planner<br /></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=34&amp;docID=51&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1337">Gift Tax Surprise</a>. Bill: "Every year I pay income tax. And when I pass away my estate will owe tax. But I was absolutely stunned today to hear that I might even have to pay a gift tax! Do you mean that if I give this land to my children, there is yet another tax?" <a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=34&amp;docID=51&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1337">Click to read more </a></p>
<p><strong>Savvy Living <br /></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=31&amp;docID=796&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1337">Air Travel Tips for Older Passengers</a>. My son is getting his Ph.D. next month and I would like to fly my parents in from across the country for his graduation, but I have some concerns about the flights. My dad is 82 years old, has trouble walking long distances and uses an oxygen tank for his COPD....<a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=31&amp;docID=796&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1337">Click to read more </a></p>
<p><strong>Donor Story<br /></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=3&amp;storyNum=7&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1337">Capital Gains Tax Bypassed</a>. Peter and Gail were nearing retirement. Over the years, with the help of their financial advisor, they made solid investments in securities. <a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=3&amp;storyNum=7&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1337">Click to read more </a></p>
<p><strong>Washington News<br /></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=30&amp;docID=1020&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1337">IRS Offers Advice to Taxpayers Who Missed the Tax-Filing Deadline</a>. In IR-2019-81, the IRS provided guidance for those taxpayers who have not yet filed their 2018 tax returns. The IRS urges taxpayers to file as soon as possible, even if they cannot pay, in order to avoid possible penalties and interest. <a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=30&amp;docID=1020&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1337">Click to read more </a></p>
<p><strong>Finances<br /></strong></p>
<p><span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=32&amp;docID=1027&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1337#stocks">Stocks</a></span> - <span>Alphabet's Shares Fall on Weak Earnings</span> <span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=32&amp;docID=1027&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1337#stocks">Read more</a></span></p>
<p><span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=32&amp;docID=1027&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1337#bonds">Bonds</a></span> - <span>Treasury Yields React to Strong Jobs Report</span> <span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=32&amp;docID=1027&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1337#bonds">Read more</a></span></p>
<p><span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=32&amp;docID=1027&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1337#interest">CDs and Mortgages</a></span> - <span>Mortgage Rates Fall</span> <span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=32&amp;docID=1027&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1337#interest">Read more</a></span></p>
<p><em>You can receive more articles like this in your weekly inbox! <a href="https://dakotaranch.giftlegacy.com/?pageID=36">Sign up to receive our FREE weekly e-newsletter</a>.</em></p>
<p><em>Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch is a Christian residential treatment and educational center for children and their families. We help the most troubled, complicated, and amazing kids by providing best-in-class psychiatric therapy and trauma-informed care, where we look kids in the eye, walk with them, and help them become their best selves.</em></p>Sun, 05 May 2019 20:00:37 -05002019-05-05T20:00:37-05:002748https://www.dakotaranch.org/blog/archive/attachmentdisorder/
Dakota Boys and Girls Ranchfrequently asked questionsWhat is Attachment Disorder?<p>By Sara Vetter, LCPP, Therapist<br />Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch</p>
<p>Attachment disorder is a group of psychiatric conditions where individuals have difficulty forming healthy emotional connections with others. Symptoms of attachment disorders can appear in children as young as infants, and may include failure to gain weight, poor eye contact, severe colic, being detached or unresponsive, defiant behaviors (ex. lying, stealing, cruelty, aggression), difficulty accepting comfort, or getting "too close too quickly" with strangers. Children with attachment disorders may also have difficulty self-monitoring and self-soothing when they are distressed.</p>
<p>When children are raised in a consistent environment with a pattern of being cared for appropriately, they start to learn that the world, and the people who care for them, can be trusted. If children are not cared for appropriately or experience serious or chronic abuse or neglect, they learn early on that adults cannot be trusted.</p>
<p>Over 40% of our kids have either a primary or secondary diagnosis of attachment disorder, usually because of severe problems in early relationships, including a history of abuse or neglect. Other possible causes of attachment issues are receiving inadequate care in out-of-home placements (ex. orphanage), multiple out-of-home placements, multiple tragic losses, or several changes in primary caregivers. </p>
<p>When children with attachment issues enter residential treatment at the Ranch, we can help them form attachment and trust by providing consistent care, routine, and clear expectations. Ranch Youth Care Workers, the staff who are with our residents 24 hours a day, play a vital role in their healing by developing relationships, role modeling, and mentoring.</p>
<p>Adhering to pre-defined limits and boundaries, remaining calm when dealing with misbehavior, and maintaining predictable routines are all important tools for building trust with kids affected by attachment issues. In addition to 24 hour/day care, the Ranch provides a variety of therapy resources to meet the needs of each child; including occupational therapy, psychotherapy, addiction counseling, and equine-assisted therapy. We provide family therapy as well to educate parents and suggest interventions they an use to help them build trust and healthy attachments with their children.</p>
<p>John* is one example of a child with attachment disorder who found hope and healing at the Ranch. John came to North Dakota through international adoption when he was six years old--before his adoption he had lived in an orphanage. John's parents did their best to form a secure attachment with him, but their relationships with him became more difficult the older John got, and he became more and more violent. When they started to fear for both John's safety and their own, they placed him at Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch, Bismarck.</p>
<p>As Ranch staff stayed true to the routines and rules, and reacted to his outbursts with calm acceptance, John started to trust the adults who cared for him. He learned more about attachment disorder, which helped him understand and control his anger. When he went home on pass, John continued to buck the rules and limits, but he was no longer violent.</p>
<p>When he discharged from the Ranch at age 17, John went to Job Corps. He enrolled in the Culinary Arts Program and did so well, he was transferred to Job Corps in another state to learn advanced culinary skills. The last I heard he was cooking on a cruise ship and doing well.</p>
<p>Although he didn't return home to live with his parents upon discharge, their relationship improved, and they started to make amends.</p>
<p>Regardless of their age, children with attachment issues can learn to build trusting relationships and live successful lives.</p>
<p>*<em>Name changed to protect confidentiality</em></p>
<p><em>Sara Vetter has been working at the Ranch for 24 years. She has a bachelor's degree in Psychology and Addiction Studies from Minot State University, Minot, ND, and a master's degree in Education and Counseling from University of Minnesota, Moorhead. Vetter said, "The kids in our care come from all walks of life. We work at making meaningful connections with them and their families by focusing on their strengths and resiliencies."</em></p>Fri, 03 May 2019 14:26:25 -05002019-05-03T14:26:25-05:002750https://www.dakotaranch.org/blog/archive/compassionatecare/
Dakota Boys and Girls RanchCompassionate Care: Medicine and Healing<p>A woman called recently to ask how we use medication at the Ranch. She said, "I recently learned that most of the kids at the Ranch are on medication. Is that true?"</p>
<p>According to Dr. Wayne Martinsen, Medical Director at the Ranch, and Heatthyr Haugeberg, Director of Nursing at the Ranch, she is correct. About 90% of our children are on a psychotropic medication at any given time.</p>
<p>This is not surprising when you remember that the Ranch is a psychiatric residential treatment facility, providing hope and healing for the most troubled children in our communities--children who have experienced chronic stress and trauma.</p>
<p>Several in-depth studies, using neuro-imaging technology to map the brains of trauma sufferers, have outlined dramatic changes in brain structures and functions. They have also found that medication can change brain structure and function in a positive way. Combined with effective therapies and healthy experiences, medication can rewire the brains of children who have experienced significant trauma.</p>
<p>One of the most compelling reasons to use medication in treatment is to reduce pain. All children who come to the Ranch are experiencing significant emotional pain. That pain can be displayed in anxiety, loss of control, anger, depression, or destructive behaviors. Dr. Martinsen sees it as an act of compassion to treat their emotional and physical pain. He likened it to someone experiencing physical pain, and ask, "How much physical pain would you allow someone to be in before you treated their pain with medication?"</p>
<p>As hard as national and local organizations are trying to change it, mental health diagnoses and medications carry a stigma. We don't think twice about taking insulin for diabetes, chemotherapy for cancer, or a statin for heart disease, but start talking about medication for psychiatric disorders and people have very strong opinions.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, some still hold negative attitudes and stereotypes towards people with mental illness--thinking medication is the easy way out, that it changes people's identities, or that it's different than taking medication for a physical illness.</p>
<p>Many of our children are in so much emotional pain they think they'd be better off dead. North Dakota's suicide rate has increased 57% since 2000, and the state has one of the highest adolescent suicide rates in the nation. If we can alleviate some of this intense pain and despair with medication--if we can keep kids alive--Dr. Martinsen believes we are obligated to do so.</p>
<p>Another reason to prescribe medication is to stabilize their conditions so kids can go home to their families as healthy and quickly as possible. Taking kids from their families is hard on them, and adds yet another trauma to their already traumatic lives. Medication works in conjunction with therapy so kids can heal and return home more quickly.</p>
<p>Dr. Martinsen, and his colleague, Tammy Uleberg, Family Nurse Practitioner at the Ranch, put a lot of thought and expertise into medication decisions. Every decision is based on the individualized needs of the child and a variety of factors, including psychological testing and GeneSight testing. GeneSight is a sophisticated genetic testing tool that helps providers know and understand which medications will be the most effective for the child with the least amount of side effects. All it takes to send a sample to GeneSight is a simple swab in the mouth.</p>
<p>Ranch children are placed on medication only with the permission of the child, the child's guardian, and the child's parents. At the Ranch, we go above and beyond what is required by getting permission from parents, even if the child has been placed by the court and the parent doesn't have custody. Dr. Martinsen gets a signed release from the parents allowing him to prescribe medication (except in the very rare case where the parent is significantly impaired and unable to make a decision). Another exception to this rule is for kids who don't have parents--approximately one out of six children at the Ranch have no parents or family involved in their lives.</p>
<p>Dr. Martinsen follows children closely, often seeing them weekly to determine the effectiveness of the medication and evaluate any side effects. After every single appointment, he attempts to reach the parents to let them know he saw their child, if the child is experiencing side effects from the medication, and what he recommends moving forward.</p>
<p>The use of medication for psychiatric disorders is complicated and at the Ranch, we do not take it lightly. To provide the most effective care to our kids, we continually stay on top of scientific advancements in brain research and the effectiveness of medications. All of our efforts are centered around what we can do to provide compassion and healing to these troubled, complicated and amazing kids.</p>Fri, 03 May 2019 14:24:48 -05002019-05-03T14:24:48-05:002756https://www.dakotaranch.org/blog/archive/goodwork/
Dakota Boys and Girls RanchThe Value of Good Work<p>By Tammy Noteboom<br />Vice President, Communications<br />Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch</p>
<p>I grew up on a dairy farm and "doing chores" was so much a part of my childhood I don't remember a time when I didn't work in the barn. The first job I remember is sweeping mud off the floor when the cows came in from outside, although I'm sure my parents assigned me other little tasks long before that first memory.</p>
<p>From that, I moved onto bigger chores. I threw straw bales down from the loft, used a pitchfork to shake out clean bedding for the cows, fastened their stanchions when they came in from outside, fed them, and did the milking. By the time I graduated from high school, my brother and I were accomplished enough for our parents to leave us alone for a couple days--responsible for feeding and milking the cows all on our own.</p>
<p>Most of my friends lived in town, but they had chores too. And our chores weren't something to do "when or if we felt like it." Someone would often miss out on a play or movie date because they hadn't finished their chores.</p>
<p>When we were little, chores were fun and we could hardly contain our excitement when it came time to show off our work. The novelty wore off quickly, and as teenagers, we all thought our parents were mean to make us work.</p>
<p><strong>Work and Worth</strong></p>
<p>By assigning chores, parents give children valuable tools necessary to become independent and ready to move into adulthood. Through childhood chores and later on, high school jobs, children gain skills they need to be successful in the world. Things like getting to work on time, following orders, teamwork, time management, showing respect, and more importantly, a sense of belonging and contributing to something bigger than themselves.</p>
<p>Some of our Ranch kids come from great families who do all of these things. They give their kids chores, show them the value of work, and encourage them to find a job--even just a couple hours a week mowing the neighbor's lawn, when they are ready. But, that's not typical.</p>
<p>Most of our kids haven't had those same work experiences. Sometimes they were transient, moving from place to place with parents or guardians who didn't have the time or energy to give them chores. Others lived in foster care, and while they sometimes had chores, by the time they started feeling like a part of the family, they were moved onto the next place.</p>
<p>When kids get to the Ranch, they've had an average of nine other out-of-home placements. Nine! And that doesn't count the many times they moved to a different apartment, town, or state. It's difficult to develop a chore list or routine when you are never in one place, or even with the same people, for more than a few months at a time.</p>
<p>According to Dr. Wayne Martinsen, Medical Director and Psychiatrist at Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch, our kids missed out. "Kids who grow up in unstable environments miss out on the sense of connection and fitting in that comes from being in a family and contributing to its well-being."</p>
<p>If a child is doing well in school, they can get those things in school. "But if school is hard for you, and you work your tail off for Cs and Ds," Martinsen said, "it's hard to feel proud of what you've accomplished, and it's hard to feel like you belong anywhere."</p>
<p>"If we sent kids out into the world without having experienced work, it's going to be too overwhelming to find a job, be there on time, and cope with grumpy coworkers," he said. "If a kid has never observed work or been a part of it, the anxiety of doing what it takes to find and keep a job will be too much--and they'll settle for homelessness."</p>
<p><strong>We Give Kids Jobs</strong></p>
<p>To give our kids these important work experiences and a sense of belonging, we give them jobs.</p>
<p>Tasha, who grew up in a family with lots of yelling, drugs, and unemployment, came to the Ranch at age 15. "After my dad died, my mom shut out all of our family. She just shut them out because they all knew what was going on with her. She allowed a lot of bad stuff to go on in our house," Tasha said.</p>
<p>"I started using drugs and running away a lot. I was under a lot of stress and just wanted to get out of the house. I was really angry--I would just yell at people for no reason and I didn't even know why."</p>
<p>After several months of treatment at the Ranch, Tasha, her therapist, and Dr. Martinsen, thought she might be ready for a job. Debbie and Judy, the cooks at the Fargo campus, gave her a job in the kitchen.</p>
<p>"It's really fun," Tasha said. "I love cooking and cleaning and hanging out with Debbie and Judy. They're really awesome people. I thought they just served us our food every day, but it's a lot more than that. And you have to have a good heart and be very caring to put up with everyone here."</p>
<p>At the Ranch, we start all of our kids out with jobs on campus or at one of our thrift stores. Many of them have had difficulty controlling their emotions and behaviors. Even if they are doing really well, we want them to have good coaching and supervising before we allow them to work off-campus.</p>
<p>Martinsen said, "If they are here on campus with us, it is like a sheltered or supported employment. If they make a mistake, we sit down with them and work through it. Generally, after a period of time, if the child seems sincere, they get another chance."</p>
<p>Working on campus with employers who understand them gives our kids a place to practice and fail, with our support to work through it and do better the next time.</p>
<p>"Think about your own kids," Martinsen said. "If we look at our own kids who didn't struggle and weren't traumatized, how many times did we send them up to clean their room or do something for us and they got it totally right? Growing up in a healthy family is like job coaching."</p>
<p>On-campus jobs recreate that family experience. In addition to providing job coaching, Ranch employees serve as role models.</p>
<p>"Most of these kids are here without any family connection and they don't have role models for anything. We get kids who not only haven't had good work role models, it's like they don't have parents at all. I mean, they are just gone." Martinsen said.</p>
<p><strong>Role Models</strong></p>
<p>Sandy Thiel, manager of the Fargo South Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch Thrift Store, is one of those role models. Boys and girls who live at the Fargo Youth Home often work with Thiel and she loves having them there.</p>
<p>"The young man we have now wants to do everything. He wants to learn everything and do everything. If he has to miss his shift, he asks to come a different day," Thiel said. "He wanted to work the till so we taught him how."</p>
<p>"I think they learn to work well with others and be a team player. They learn new skills. For most of these kids, this is their first job," Thiel said.</p>
<p>Thiel feels like she is their mother. They talk to her when they have troubles, and when they move one, she thinks about them a lot and wonders how they are doing. A few of the kids who have worked with her stop by a couple times a year to check in and let Thiel know how they are doing.</p>
<p>"It doesn't always work out," Thiel said, "but for the most part Ranch kids work hard. They acclimate quickly because they are so young, and because they've dealt with such difficult things in their lives."</p>
<p>Beth Slaton, Hilary Sorenson, and Hannah Thom also employ student workers in the Minot Foundation Office. Sixteen-year-old Aaliyah worked in the office after school and during the summer.</p>
<p>Aaliyah said, "We have certain objectives like participating in therapy and doing our homework. I was getting high scores so I asked if I could get a job. I wanted to increase my independent living. I can walk to and from appointments on campus by myself, so I thought a job was a good next step."</p>
<p>"I was nervous at first because I didn't know how this all worked. But the foundation ladies were so nice to me. They told me I was a really good worker. They just kind of boosted my energy. Their positivity made me feel like I was something, like I mattered."</p>
<p><strong>It's Not About the Money</strong></p>
<p>Kids who have on-campus jobs earn minimum wage. Our agreement with them is that they are required to save half (which we keep in a special account to give them when they leave the Ranch), but the rest they can spend how they choose (within reason, of course). If they want to spend some of the money they've earned, we take them shopping.</p>
<p>But Martinsen said it's not really about the money. "Our kids who have jobs will show you the headphones they bought, and then they'll always tell you they bought them with money they earned. They are proud of having worked." Martinsen said, "I don't know that having money makes them happy, but having earned money makes them feel like they've accomplished something."</p>
<p><strong>Working to Belong</strong></p>
<p>Aaliyah has moved on from the Ranch, but she still stops by to visit Beth, Hilary, and Hannah at the foundation office when she can. When she made the Honor Roll at Minot High School, she invited them to attend the induction ceremony. When Tasha left the Ranch and moved out of state, she said she was surprised how much she was going to miss everyone at the Ranch, especially Debbie and Judy.</p>
<p>And that, Martinsen said, is exactly what it's all about. To build those relationships suggests that Aaliyah and Tasha both saw themselves as a part of the organization.</p>
<p>Work is a huge part of your identity. As adults, we identify ourselves by our values, our religion, our relationships, and our work. People who are satisfied with work see what they do as being part of a bigger whole. In hiring our kids, we are giving them a chance to be a part of that--we exhibit our trust in them, we teach them good work habits, we help them build connections, and we give them a chance to be a part of something bigger than themselves.</p>
<p>Martinsen said, "The more we can help our kids see how their role cleaning or repairing or feeding is linked to other people's lives, to their workplace, and to a larger mission, the better off they will be."</p>
<p><em>We take great care to protect the privacy of our children. Pictures and identifying information are only used with the permission of the kids and their guardians.</em></p>
<p> </p>Tue, 30 Apr 2019 16:49:10 -05002019-04-30T16:49:10-05:002870https://www.dakotaranch.org/blog/archive/easterbaptisms/
GiftLegacyEaster Baptisms<p> </p>
<p>Children at Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch celebrated Easter this year in many special ways. VP of Spiritual Life, Chaplain Rick Jones, has a tremendous gift for making the Word come alive in a way that resonates with our children. At the beginning of the Easter Morning service on our Minot campus, he came running out from the chancellery yelling, "He's alive! He has risen!"</p>
<p>At first, the children were shocked, then smiled, clapped and started singing. He is alive! Chaplain Rick made sure all the kids, staff and families that were there knew that truth! The service was further made special with the music of Our Savior Lutheran Church's Worship Band! And an Easter Egg Hunt!</p>
<p>Three of the boys on our Minot campus chose Easter as their Baptism day. They did so at a local Christian congregation. It has been our honor to transport them to the church and support them in their journey of faith.</p>
<p>It is with great excitement that we share these special moments. For many of our kids, religion has not been a big part of their life prior to coming to the Ranch. For others, sadly, religion has been used as a rationale for the abuse and pain they have experienced. As they attend chapel and study groups, God's truth is shared, and their budding faith begins to grow.</p>
<p>Gideons International is one of the groups and individuals who have donated Bibles to our ministry. Now, the kids can provide Bibles to their families and foster families and discuss what they are learning. What a wonderful way to share the Gospel!</p>
<p>Our Spiritual Life program is entirely funded by donor support, churches, and Thrivent Choice dollars. When we say we could not do this without our donors and friends, we really mean it.</p>
<p>We are so thankful for those that help bring God's Word to children who feel lost and alone and that help children see that the love of Jesus is unconditional and they are part of God's family. Thank you to those that believe in our kids so that they can learn how to pray. We appreciate all that the friends of the Ranch do.</p>
<p>God's blessings to you,</p>
<p>Janet Zinke<br />Senior Development Officer<br />Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch</p>
<p><br />Learn more about Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch at<span> </span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/links_trk/aPqU5MTo?RID=1134&amp;SLID=1132">DakotaRanch.org</a>.<br /><br />You can also follow the Ranch on<span> </span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/links_trk/9L5TAS5K?RID=1134&amp;SLID=1132">Facebook</a><span> </span>and<span> </span><strong><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/links_trk/mQa6yZef?RID=1134&amp;SLID=1132">Twitter</a></strong><em>.</em></p>
<p><strong>Personal Planner<br /></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=34&amp;docID=50&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1331">Zero-Tax Cash and Trust</a>. About 15 years ago Linda's father passed away. As her inheritance, she received a commercial lot that was a mile outside of town. At the time she received the inherited property, it was worth about $100,000. <a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=34&amp;docID=50&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1331">Click to read more </a></p>
<p><strong>Savvy Living <br /></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=31&amp;docID=795&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1331">Safe Ways to Get Rid of Expired, Unused Medicine</a>. What is the best and environmentally safe way to dispose of old and unused medications? My mother has a medicine cabinet full of pills, some of which have not been touched in 25 years. I would like to clean it out for her. <a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=31&amp;docID=795&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1331">Click to read more </a></p>
<p><strong>Donor Story<br /></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=3&amp;storyNum=6&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1331">Fixed Income for Retirement</a>. After working for decades as a pediatrician in a small rural town, Patricia was ready to retire. <a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=3&amp;storyNum=6&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1331">Click to read more </a></p>
<p><strong>Washington News<br /></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=30&amp;docID=1019&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1331">April 16 is Tax Freedom Day</a>. Each year, the nonpartisan Tax Foundation announces the date of Tax Freedom Day. Tax Freedom Day represents the day when taxpayers have earned enough to satisfy the nation's tax bill for the year. For 2019, Tax Freedom Day falls on April 16. This is 105 days...<a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=30&amp;docID=1019&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1331">Click to read more </a></p>
<p><strong>Finances<br /></strong></p>
<p><span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=32&amp;docID=1026&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1331#stocks">Stocks</a></span> - <span>Twitter's Shares Soar</span> <span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=32&amp;docID=1026&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1331#stocks">Read more</a></span></p>
<p><span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=32&amp;docID=1026&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1331#bonds">Bonds</a></span> - <span>Treasury Yields Slip On Rising GDP</span> <span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=32&amp;docID=1026&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1331#bonds">Read more</a></span></p>
<p><span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=32&amp;docID=1026&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1331#interest">CDs and Mortgages</a></span> - <span>Mortgage Rates Increase</span> <span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=32&amp;docID=1026&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1331#interest">Read more</a></span></p>
<p><em>You can receive more articles like this in your weekly inbox! <a href="https://dakotaranch.giftlegacy.com/?pageID=36">Sign up to receive our FREE weekly e-newsletter</a>.</em></p>
<p><em>Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch is a Christian residential treatment and educational center for children and their families. We help the most troubled, complicated, and amazing kids by providing best-in-class psychiatric therapy and trauma-informed care, where we look kids in the eye, walk with them, and help them become their best selves.</em></p>Mon, 29 Apr 2019 08:44:26 -05002019-04-29T08:44:26-05:002600https://www.dakotaranch.org/blog/archive/nursing/
Dakota Boys and Girls RanchnursingThe Many Roles of a Ranch Nurse<p>Nursing care at Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch is unlike any other nursing job. I am often asked, “What do the nurses do at the Ranch?” and I am never quite sure how to answer. One day, nursing staff can be found scheduling appointments and managing medications. The next day, we might be out playing a softball game with the kids. No two days are ever the same!</p>
<p>One of the main responsibilities of Ranch nurses is to obtain medical care for the residents. Many of our residents come to us without a consistent history of medical appointments. It is not unusual for our children to have never been to the dentist or had an eye exam. These same children are unaware of how often they should receive medical care, or even how.</p>
<p>We schedule preventative health care appointments for every child who comes into our care. These appointments include: dental exams, vision testing, physicals, vaccinations, and lab work. Scheduling the appointments is easy. The difficult part is to calm our kids’ fears and help them understand what to expect during and after each appointment. The doctor’s or dentist’s office can be a scary place if you’ve never been there before, especially if you’ve experienced physical or sexual abuse, as many of our children have.</p>
<p>We teach our kids about preventative health care, for when they live on their own. How often should they have a physical, see the dentist, or have an eye exam? Most of our kids don’t know these things—we take extra time to teach them how to manage their own health care. When they leave our care, we often give our phone number to children, and encourage them to call if they have questions.</p>
<p>One story that illustrates the many different roles nurses have at the Ranch is about one of our young boys. He came to us with braces on his teeth that were severely damaged and broken. He had removed the wires himself, as they were broken and cutting his cheeks. The dentist told us the brackets needed to be removed or they would cause severe decay to his teeth and create long-term dental issues. Because he received the braces out-of-state, North Dakota Medicaid would not cover the removal, and his parents didn’t have the resources. Nursing staff worked closely with the Ranch’s financial team to access donor funds—which paid to remove the brackets and make retainers.</p>
<p>After it was all taken care of, the child wrote a note to us saying, “Thank you very much for paying to get my braces off. That really took a lot of stress from my parents. I couldn’t have got them off without your help.”</p>
<p>Ranch nurses also assist the residents with basic self-care and hygiene. It is not uncommon for children to come to the Ranch without a good understanding of how to take care of their body, both inside and out. Nurses, along with youth care workers, teach Ranch kids basic body care. We teach them how to clip their fingernails, care for themselves during their menstrual cycles, and properly shower.</p>
<p>We teach all of these things in a way that meets the specific needs of each child. Children who are visual learners may benefit from a colored chart depicting the steps in taking a shower. Other children may learn best through a verbal discussion. We meet kids where they are at, and strive to adapt our teaching to suit each child’s learning style.</p>
<p>Most of our kids have little knowledge of healthy exercise and nutrition habits. The nursing department, along with the wellness department, teach the youth all about healthy eating and exercise—the types of food that are good/bad for you, healthy portions, exercise options that fit into their daily routines. Nurses often attend the wellness and recreation classes with the kids. Those classes have been some of the best moments I have shared with youth at the Ranch.</p>
<p>Nursing staff at the Ranch work closely with each child’s treatment team to create a treatment plan, and provide lifelong lessons in healthy living, medical care, medications, and self-care.</p>Mon, 29 Apr 2019 08:00:00 -05002019-04-29T08:00:00-05:002868https://www.dakotaranch.org/blog/archive/heisrisen/
GiftLegacyHe is Risen!<p>"Jesus Christ is Risen. He is Risen Indeed! Hallelujah!"</p>
<p>During the Ranch's Easter Chapel service last year, I called this out in full voice—as I have so many times over the years. The kids did a slow turn around to see why I was shouting, before realizing I was responding to the liturgy. One by one they started to join in, and by the end of chapel were all shouting with joy.</p>
<p>This phrase resounds at Easter time, but we could sing it from the highest mountain tops every day because of how important it is.</p>
<p><strong>"Jesus said, I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die." -John 11:25-26 (NIV)</strong>​</p>
<p>We are all washed clean and have the chance for eternal life because Jesus Christ died for our sins. When they rolled the stone away and Jesus had risen from the grave as He said He would, life began anew.</p>
<p>Many of our long-time supporters have passed away over the past few weeks. I am saddened to have lost friends and people I care about. But, as a Christian, I take comfort in knowing they are in a better place beyond all my imaginings. I know they are with our Savior and are now basking in the Glory of God. All because, "Jesus Christ is risen indeed, Hallelujah!"</p>
<p>I pray that your Easter has been filled with blessings.</p>
<p>Yours in Christ,<span> </span></p>
<p>Janet Zinke<br />Senior Development Officer<br />Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch</p>
<p><br />Learn more about Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch at<span> </span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/links_trk/aPqU5MTo?RID=1134&amp;SLID=1132">DakotaRanch.org</a>.<br /><br />You can also follow the Ranch on<span> </span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/links_trk/9L5TAS5K?RID=1134&amp;SLID=1132">Facebook</a><span> </span>and<span> </span><strong><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/links_trk/mQa6yZef?RID=1134&amp;SLID=1132">Twitter</a></strong><em>.</em></p>
<p><strong>Personal Planner<br /></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=34&amp;docID=49&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1325">Domicile - Where You Live Affects Your Taxes</a>. A successful business owner with a large estate passed away in 1976. He had grown up in Texas, moved to California and also lived for many years in Nevada. <a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=34&amp;docID=49&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1325">Click to read more </a></p>
<p><strong>Savvy Living <br /></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=31&amp;docID=794&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1325">Tricycles for Grown-Ups</a>. What can you tell me about three-wheeled bicycles? I'm 65 years old and would like to start cycling again but I have some occasional balance problems and do not trust myself on a two-wheeled bicycle. What can you recommend? <a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=31&amp;docID=794&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1325">Click to read more </a></p>
<p><strong>Donor Story<br /></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=3&amp;storyNum=5&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1325">Tax-Free Sale</a>. Howard and Lynn were age 55 when they purchased some land outside of town, and they thought it would be a good investment that they could later sell. <a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=3&amp;storyNum=5&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1325">Click to read more </a></p>
<p><strong>Washington News<br /></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=30&amp;docID=1018&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1325">Commissioner Rettig Thanks Taxpayers</a>. On April 15, IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig thanked taxpayers. He stated, "Our nation's tax system is built around the concept of voluntary tax compliance, meaning citizens comply with their civic duty each year by preparing and filing their taxes —...<a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=30&amp;docID=1018&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1325">Click to read more </a></p>
<p><strong>Finances<br /></strong></p>
<p><span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=32&amp;docID=1025&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1325#stocks">Stocks</a></span> - <span>Netflix Releases Earnings Report</span> <span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=32&amp;docID=1025&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1325#stocks">Read more</a></span></p>
<p><span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=32&amp;docID=1025&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1325#bonds">Bonds</a></span> - <span>Yields Reach Highs on Strong Retail Sales</span> <span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=32&amp;docID=1025&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1325#bonds">Read more</a></span></p>
<p><span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=32&amp;docID=1025&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1325#interest">CDs and Mortgages</a></span> - <span>Mortgage Rates Continue Rising</span> <span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=32&amp;docID=1025&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1325#interest">Read more</a></span></p>
<p><em>You can receive more articles like this in your weekly inbox! <a href="https://dakotaranch.giftlegacy.com/?pageID=36">Sign up to receive our FREE weekly e-newsletter</a>.</em></p>
<p><em>Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch is a Christian residential treatment and educational center for children and their families. We help the most troubled, complicated, and amazing kids by providing best-in-class psychiatric therapy and trauma-informed care, where we look kids in the eye, walk with them, and help them become their best selves.</em></p>Sun, 21 Apr 2019 15:20:11 -05002019-04-21T15:20:11-05:002609https://www.dakotaranch.org/blog/archive/eastercelebration2019/
Dakota Boys and Girls RanchSpiritual LifeA Celebration of Life<p>By Joy Ryan, President/CEO, Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch</p>
<p>Tom Kopp, one of the Ranch’s residential treatment directors, recently emailed me a note and photos from some time he spent with the young adults in our Ranch HOME (Hope Opportunity, Mentoring, Experience) at Northgate program.<br /><br />The HOME program is open to 18-26-year-old foster care youth who have no family supports. When I came to the Ranch in 2015, a program like this was one of the first things the board of directors wanted to discuss. Their vision was to create a program that would help kids move from foster care/residential treatment to adulthood. We launched the program in July 2018 with four apartments and currently have three young men in the program.<br /><br />The photos and Tom’s words do a better job of showing you the impact we are making than I could ever explain.<br /><br /><em>“Here are some pictures I took when I was in Minot at our HOME at Northgate program. I was able to hang out and have a meal that the guys helped prepare – breakfast burritos! Notice the very creative haircut by Mr. “A.” He had a buddy cut a cross into his hair, because IT’S LENT! And then the back of his head has arrows pointing forward meaning, ‘I’m moving forward with my life.’</em><br /><br /><em>“Hanging out with (Program Manager) Tyler and these young men was such a great way to see how amazing this program is developing. Tyler is like a big brother to the boys. They look to him for help and advice, and it was all so awesome.” </em><br /><br />It makes me so very happy to see these young men growing into the stage of their lives… and so wonderful for them to have Tyler and Tom to help them take those steps! This program was a real passion of our Boards of Directors, and we are seeing the results of their vision!</p>
<p>Many of our children are spending the Easter holiday with their families. Many others are celebrating with us at the Ranch. Regardless where they are spending the day, holidays can be a difficult time for our kids. Please pray for them. </p>
<p><br />Have a blessed Easter.</p>Fri, 19 Apr 2019 08:00:00 -05002019-04-19T08:00:00-05:002617https://www.dakotaranch.org/blog/archive/hopeattheranch/
Dakota Boys and Girls RanchSpiritual LifeEaster is a Celebration of Hope at the Ranch<p>A focus on faith — especially at Easter — is transforming kids’ lives. </p>
<p><strong>Daniel's Story</strong></p>
<p>After Daniel had lost all hope, he remembered the Ranch’s Christian lessons. Here’s his story of healing:</p>
<p>"The most important thing Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch did is point me toward faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of my life. I may not have exhibited the fruit of this at that time, but the seeds were sown.</p>
<p>"When I was 21, years after I’d left the Ranch, an experience took place that would change my life forever. On a hot and humid night, I was staying on the couch of a guy I hardly knew. The mugginess made it hard to sleep.</p>
<p>"That night I was bombarded with the most negative thoughts I have ever had. I thought about how much of a mess I had made of my life. It seemed like nobody valued me and, therefore, my life had no value. My family didn’t trust me and wouldn’t let me in their homes. My carefree lifestyle had been brought to an end by the police serving a search warrant. I couldn’t find a job. I couldn’t find any meaningful purpose for my life. It felt like my life was over.</p>
<p>"So I decided I was going to kill myself that night. I swung my feet off the couch to go to the bathroom to find a means to do it. But out of nowhere, this thought popped into my head, <em>What if this stuff about Jesus is real?</em></p>
<p>"At that very moment, the room seemed to be filled with a presence that I had never experienced before. But for some odd reason, I knew it was Jesus. A voice began to speak into me — not like you would hear my voice, yet speaking into me very clearly.</p>
<p>"He told me that He made me for a purpose and that my life had great value. A huge weight seemed to lift off me. I felt light. I noticed a Bible sitting on a shelf across the room and sat up most of the night reading the Gospel of Matthew. From that point on, I always had a true north.</p>
<p>"Today my home is so much different from the one I had as a young child. No longer is home a place of fear and anxiety.</p>
<p>"Today my home is a place to escape life’s busyness and enjoy the simple things of life with my family.</p>
<p>"Today my home is a place of love and laughter.</p>
<p>"Today my home is a place for my family and me to grow together in biblical values and be shaped in the image of Christ."</p>
<p><strong>Easter is a celebration of hope at the Ranch</strong></p>
<p>Easter is a great time — maybe the best time — to focus on faith. We use this special season to help get the children thinking about Jesus, His triumph over sin and death, and what that means to them.</p>
<p>In the days leading up to Easter, we've hosted special chapel services and other faith-building activities. But the climax of the season is an all campus Easter egg hunt.</p>
<p>Our team fills plastic eggs with treats and hides thousands of them across the grounds. The kids chant a “Ready, set, go!” — and then there’s an all-out dash to collect as many as they can. There is laughter and love, excitement, and color.</p>
<p>But there’s also the chance to get our kids thinking about the meaning of Easter and God’s gift “too wonderful for words” (2 Corinthians 9:15).</p>
<p>Happy Easter to you!</p>Thu, 18 Apr 2019 08:00:00 -05002019-04-18T08:00:00-05:002866https://www.dakotaranch.org/blog/archive/findingpeace/
GiftLegacyFinding Peace in the Storm<p> </p>
<p>A huge part of my job at the Ranch is to thank people for their ongoing support of our kids. Who wouldn't love a job where you get to meet and thank loving and kind people committed to a ministry that helps children and their families succeed in the name of Christ? I've spent the week in Texas, visiting with several of those folks. I was honored to spend time with them.</p>
<p>As I was visiting with one of our good supporters, a Reverend and his wife, he had a medical emergency and the ambulance and fire truck came to take him to the hospital. Needless to say, I was a bit shaken up and actually shaking from head to toe. Not sure what to do, I decided to go to a nearby church. The office administrator let me in and directed me to the chapel where I could pray and cry a little. I felt God's peace surround me and comfort me, as it always does when I cry out to Him in times like that.</p>
<p>On Thursday, I was heading to the airport when I received a call that my little girl had fallen and was being taken to the Emergency Room. I felt sick that I couldn't be there for her. Then my flight was canceled due to the winter storm ravaging the Midwest. This time, I cried right at the ticket counter and prayed all day. It was uplifting to have so many people reach out to me and offer to pray as well. Thankfully, she is going to be just fine. She has a few stitches, a minor concussion, and wants her Mommy.</p>
<p>While I was on standby for a flight home, it was a great day to find a comfortable airport chair (is there such a thing?) and spend time talking to God.</p>
<p>I tell our Ranch kids, "Cry out to God in your pain and frustration. He is with you all the time and will help you feel less alone." Here I am taking my own advice. I'm confident God will always calm my frustrations and bring me to a place of peace—a place where I can spend time in communion with Him.</p>
<p>God bless,</p>
<p>Janet Zinke<br />Senior Development Officer<br />Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch</p>
<p><br />Learn more about Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch at<span> </span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/links_trk/aPqU5MTo?RID=1134&amp;SLID=1132">DakotaRanch.org</a>.<br /><br />You can also follow the Ranch on<span> </span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/links_trk/9L5TAS5K?RID=1134&amp;SLID=1132">Facebook</a><span> </span>and<span> </span><strong><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/links_trk/mQa6yZef?RID=1134&amp;SLID=1132">Twitter</a></strong><em>.</em></p>
<p><strong>Personal Planner<br /></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=34&amp;docID=48&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1320">Family Limited Partnerships</a>. A family limited partnership (FLP) is usually created by a husband and wife. It has several purposes. An FLP can save estate taxes and permit transfers to family members. <a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=34&amp;docID=48&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1320">Click to read more </a></p>
<p><strong>Savvy Living <br /></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=31&amp;docID=793&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1320">How SSI Can Help Low-Income Seniors and the Disabled</a>. What can you tell me about the Supplemental Security Income program and what are the eligibility requirements? My father has a very low income, so I am wondering if this is something he may qualify for. <a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=31&amp;docID=793&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1320">Click to read more </a></p>
<p><strong>Donor Story<br /></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=3&amp;storyNum=4&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1320">A Family Legacy of Giving</a>. Leonard and Marie McGinnity are part of a long legacy of family giving to Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch that began with Leonard's...<a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=3&amp;storyNum=4&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1320">Click to read more </a></p>
<p><strong>Washington News<br /></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=30&amp;docID=1017&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1320">Last-Minute Tax Filing Help</a>. In IR-2019-67, the Service urged taxpayers to use www.irs.gov for last-minute tax assistance. Tax-filing day is April 15, 2019 (or April 17 for Maine and Massachusetts due to holidays). <a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=30&amp;docID=1017&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1320">Click to read more </a></p>
<p><strong>Finances<br /></strong></p>
<p><span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=32&amp;docID=1024&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1320#stocks">Stocks</a></span> - <span>Delta Flies Above Earnings Estimates</span> <span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=32&amp;docID=1024&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1320#stocks">Read more</a></span></p>
<p><span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=32&amp;docID=1024&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1320#bonds">Bonds</a></span> - <span>Yields Hit Three-Week Highs</span> <span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=32&amp;docID=1024&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1320#bonds">Read more</a></span></p>
<p><span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=32&amp;docID=1024&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1320#interest">CDs and Mortgages</a></span> - <span>Mortgage Rates Move Higher</span> <span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=32&amp;docID=1024&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1320#interest">Read more</a></span></p>
<p><em>You can receive more articles like this in your weekly inbox! <a href="https://dakotaranch.giftlegacy.com/?pageID=36">Sign up to receive our FREE weekly e-newsletter</a>.</em></p>
<p><em>Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch is a Christian residential treatment and educational center for children and their families. We help the most troubled, complicated, and amazing kids by providing best-in-class psychiatric therapy and trauma-informed care, where we look kids in the eye, walk with them, and help them become their best selves.</em></p>Sun, 14 Apr 2019 13:39:57 -05002019-04-14T13:39:57-05:002846https://www.dakotaranch.org/blog/archive/feelinghealthyagain/
GiftLegacyFeeling Healthy Again<p>When I don't feel well, I am more emotional, less sensitive to others, and less able to focus on my tasks. This last week has been one of those "not feeling well" weeks. As I pushed through the days, I started thinking about our Ranch kids and the days they push through.</p>
<p>Because of their ongoing struggles (psychiatric diagnoses, trauma, lack of family support, etc.), our kids are "not at their best" much of the time, especially when they first get here.</p>
<p>I can't imagine feeling this way all the time—especially without hope that the emotions, sensitivity, and lack of focus will go away. At least I know this cold will pass and I'll be back to my old self. Our kids don't have that assurance. They often come to the Ranch without hope. They believe the way they feel now will last forever.</p>
<p>We are here to help them change those beliefs. Of course, treatment is complicated. Deep-seated beliefs aren't changed overnight...it takes time and repetition and the constant presence of people who care and have the expertise and knowledge they need to help kids make changes. It takes God's grace and His work through us. And, it takes a lot of work by the kids themselves. It's not easy for anyone to turn towards the pain and work through it.</p>
<p>But we see it every day...our kids face their demons. They make changes that help them feel better and give them a sense of hope. I am so thankful for all those that play a part in that healing and hope.</p>
<p>God bless you always.</p>
<p>Janet Zinke<br />Senior Development Officer<br />Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch</p>
<p><br />Learn more about Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch at<span> </span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/links_trk/aPqU5MTo?RID=1134&amp;SLID=1132">DakotaRanch.org</a>.<br /><br />You can also follow the Ranch on<span> </span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/links_trk/9L5TAS5K?RID=1134&amp;SLID=1132">Facebook</a><span> </span>and<span> </span><strong><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/links_trk/mQa6yZef?RID=1134&amp;SLID=1132">Twitter</a></strong><em>.</em></p>
<p><strong>Personal Planner<br /></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=34&amp;docID=47&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1315">Family Business Bailouts</a>. Joe and June started Children's Clothing Company 30 years ago. They are now both age 65 and are interested in retiring. Their daughter Susan is currently the company president and their son Michael is the vice president of marketing. <a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=34&amp;docID=47&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1315">Click to read more </a></p>
<p><strong>Savvy Living <br /></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=31&amp;docID=792&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1315">Finding Health Insurance Before Medicare Kicks In</a>. I will be retiring in a few months and my wife and I will need health insurance until we can enroll in Medicare. What are my options? <a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=31&amp;docID=792&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1315">Click to read more </a></p>
<p><strong>Donor Story<br /></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=3&amp;storyNum=3&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1315">A Heart of Gold</a>. When Gerry Gerntholz met his future wife, Marian, in college at North Dakota State University in Fargo, ND, she already loved...<a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=3&amp;storyNum=3&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1315">Click to read more </a></p>
<p><strong>Washington News<br /></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=30&amp;docID=1016&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1315">IRS Website Visits Increase</a>. On April 2, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) reported interim results for the 2019 filing season. As the April 15 filing deadline (April 17 in Massachusetts and Maine) approaches, taxpayers are calling the IRS in record numbers...<a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=30&amp;docID=1016&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1315">Click to read more </a></p>
<p><strong>Finances<br /></strong></p>
<p><span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=32&amp;docID=1023&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1315#stocks">Stocks</a></span> - <span>Disappointing Earnings Sink Walgreens' Shares</span> <span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=32&amp;docID=1023&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1315#stocks">Read more</a></span></p>
<p><span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=32&amp;docID=1023&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1315#bonds">Bonds</a></span> - <span>Jobs Report Pushes Treasury Yields Down</span> <span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=32&amp;docID=1023&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1315#bonds">Read more</a></span></p>
<p><span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=32&amp;docID=1023&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1315#interest">CDs and Mortgages</a></span> - <span>Mortgage Rates Hold Steady</span> <span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=32&amp;docID=1023&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1315#interest">Read more</a></span></p>
<p><em>You can receive more articles like this in your weekly inbox! <a href="https://dakotaranch.giftlegacy.com/?pageID=36">Sign up to receive our FREE weekly e-newsletter</a>.</em></p>
<p><em>Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch is a Christian residential treatment and educational center for children and their families. We help the most troubled, complicated, and amazing kids by providing best-in-class psychiatric therapy and trauma-informed care, where we look kids in the eye, walk with them, and help them become their best selves.</em></p>Mon, 08 Apr 2019 10:05:08 -05002019-04-08T10:05:08-05:002845https://www.dakotaranch.org/blog/archive/casscountyelectricgrant/
GrantsCass County Electric Cooperative Grants $5,000 to Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch Thrift Stores<p>Cass County Electric Cooperative granted $5,000 to Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch to underwrite a portion of the purchase of a delivery truck to be used by Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch Thrift Stores across the state.</p>
<p>All proceeds from Ranch Thrift Stores support the residential psychiatric and educational services the Ranch provides to children at three residential treatment facilities across the state. More and more children need the services provided by the Ranch, in part due to an increasing prevalence of parental mental illness and substance abuse.</p>
<p>The costs of psychiatric treatment not covered by Medicaid or private insurance companies are underwritten by the Thrift Stores, as are the specialized education services not covered by state education dollars. Thanks to ongoing thrift store income, the Ranch can continue to provide the intensive wraparound programming necessary to provide hope and healing for our troubled, complicated, and amazing kids.</p>
<p><strong>Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch</strong> is a Christian residential treatment and education center for children and their families. We help the most troubled, complicated, and amazing kids by providing best-in-class psychiatric therapy and trauma-informed care, where we look kids in the eye, walk with them, and help them become their best selves. In addition to Residential Treatment Facilities in Fargo, Bismarck, and Minot, the Ranch provides Outpatient Psychiatric and Psychological Services, and Spiritual Life Programs. Our on-campus school, Dakota Memorial School (DMS), provides a personalized education for kids who have psychiatric, behavioral, and trauma issues.</p>
<p><strong>Cass County Electric Cooperative</strong> is a not-for-profit, member-owned electric distribution system, serving nearly 60,000 members in a 10-county area in southeastern North Dakota. The mission of Cass County Electric Cooperative is to serve their members' energy needs with affordable and reliable electricity.</p>
<p><strong>For more information contact:</strong><br />Tammy Noteboom, Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch, Fargo, 701-551-6807</p>Fri, 05 Apr 2019 10:27:00 -05002019-04-05T10:27:00-05:002837https://www.dakotaranch.org/blog/archive/faiththroughmusic/
Dakota Boys and Girls RanchMusic Focused on Faith Helps a Vulnerable Young Girl Find Hope<p> Christian music group DPB came to the Ranch to put on a concert for our kids recently. But one of our girls, Alicia, didn't want to go to the concert.</p>
<p>She'd been led to believe some pretty awful things about God by people who hurt her deeply. We encouraged her to give it a try. She decided to go and ended up staying for the whole show.</p>
<p>After the music, Alicia clapped enthusiastically, and then put her head down and broke into tears. She had truly been touched by the music AND the message. Alicia wondered if she could talk to the musicians. She actually shook as she approached the stage.</p>
<p>Later, she asked one of our team members, "Is that really possible?" <strong>— </strong>meaning the healing, forgiveness, and hope the group sang about. Her therapist assured her it was and asked if she wanted to talk with one of our chaplains. Alicia agreed and continues to investigate God and His love.</p>
<p><em>Pray for Alicia and other Ranch kids who are hearing, maybe for the first time, about a loving God who wants to bring them new life.</em></p>Mon, 01 Apr 2019 17:21:58 -05002019-04-01T17:21:58-05:002838https://www.dakotaranch.org/blog/archive/newlife/
Dakota Boys and Girls RanchEaster = New Life<p><em>Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! </em>-2 Corinthians 5:17</p>
<p>As you'd imagine, because so many of our kids have experienced deep hurt and failure, they find it hard to understand the concept of a "new life" <strong>— </strong>one where the old is completely forgotten, replaced by a new one through faith and forgiveness in Jesus.</p>
<p>At no other time of year than Easter is it more important for our kids to hear and understand this message: "Because Jesus experienced new life, they can too."</p>
<p>That's why we have special activities throughout the Easter season to help tell His story <strong>—</strong> why He had to suffer and what it means to our boys and girls.</p>
<p>Once they believe that Christ not only cares about their pain, but that His pain was all for them <strong>— </strong>then they can finally accept His love, His desire for a relationship, and His offer of salvation.</p>
<p>But none of this can happen without the prayers and financial support of generous donors. To bless our kids with the chance to find a fresh start in Jesus' name, this Easter and year round, go to <a href="/umbraco/DakotaRanch.org" target="_blank">DakotaRanch.org</a>.</p>Mon, 01 Apr 2019 17:14:39 -05002019-04-01T17:14:39-05:002836https://www.dakotaranch.org/blog/archive/donorpartnerships/
Dakota Boys and Girls RanchDonor Partnerships Make Transformation Possible!<p>It wasn't until she came to the Ranch that 15-year-old Tara really realized how badly her life got sidetracked.</p>
<p>"There was a lot of stress," she says. "I wanted to get out of the house. I did drugs and tried running away. And I had friends who were bad influences. They weren't good friends."</p>
<p>Because of those difficult circumstances, combined with the tragic passing of her dad, it's easy to see why Tara was angry. Really angry. She lashed out often at family and friends. "At the same time, I didn't even understand why," she says. "I had a lot of anger toward my mom."</p>
<p><strong>So much anger</strong></p>
<p>Much of her anger was directed at her mom. She was not a strong parenting influence in Tara's life. Worse, at least one of her mom's boyfriends sexually abused Tara and her sisters.</p>
<p>By the time Tara was referred to the Ranch, she'd become hostile, resentful, and belligerent. Anyone would have.</p>
<p>But thanks to donors and other partners, Tara got the help she needed at the Ranch. Because she now has more stability in her life, she has been able to do better in school.</p>
<p>Tara also learned the value and reward of hard work. She was able to help in the Ranch kitchen, for which she was paid. "It's really fun. I love cooking and cleaning. You have to have a good heart and be very caring, especially with some people here."</p>
<p>Best of all, Tara discovered the spiritual side of her life, saying the most important thing she learned at the Ranch is faith.</p>
<p><strong>New faith — and a reason to hope</strong></p>
<p>When she first got here, Tara says, "I didn't want anything to do with God or Jesus. I didn't believe. But now I pray every night and read the Bible. It really helps."</p>
<p>She credits the Ranch. "The staff here are very supportive. Jay [one of the Ranch's spiritual life specialists] really helped. I got baptized here."</p>
<p>Tara recently finished her treatment at the Ranch and went to live with an uncle who offered to take her in. When she left, she was looking forward to a new life with a caring family. "I'll be going to a new school, starting fresh," she says. "I'm really going to miss this place."</p>
<p><em>Through your special Easter gift today, you can reach even more kids like Tara <strong>—</strong> provide stability, guide them toward healing, and plant the seeds of faith that stay with them for a lifetime. Donate online at <a href="/umbraco/DakotaRanch.com" target="_blank">DakotaRanch.org</a>.</em></p>Mon, 01 Apr 2019 16:59:01 -05002019-04-01T16:59:01-05:002840https://www.dakotaranch.org/blog/archive/loveofahorse/
GiftLegacyThe Love of a Horse<p>This past year, I decided to sponsor one of the horses at Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch. His name is Teddy and he is well loved by our kids. I grew up<span> </span>on<span> </span>an airport, so although we had dogs and cats, horses were never an option. It feels good to know "my horse" is helping kids heal.</p>
<p>Heading up our Equine program is Amber Benham, or her more formal title is Therapeutic Riding Instructor/Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning Equine Program Coordinator. She is so amazing with the kids and the horses. Recently she was asked how she helps children at the Ranch succeed and here is her response.</p>
<p>"I used to volunteer at the barn in the summers when I was younger with hippotherapy and fell in love. I have been with the Ranch for over 3 and a half years and did my internship at the barn in 2014. I worked in Cornelsen Cottage for about 5 months before fully transitioning to the barn. It's not a "job" when you love coming to work every day!</p>
<p>I love seeing all the smiling faces when you walk through the hallways, or when kids come up to the barn to see their horse and tell you about the awesome day they had, and some days, we stand in the arena in silence with the horse and we are grooming. Therapy sessions at the barn do not require the youth to speak and be verbal about how they are feeling and what they are thinking, it allows them to try out new behaviors and get feedback from the horse, an unbiased source. This interaction is one of the most amazing things I have seen, and I encourage everyone to witness this.</p>
<p>These kids and their families have the time to work on their confidence, responsibility, togetherness, trust, and the list goes on and on. A lot of the kids we see come in trusting nobody, having broken relationships with friends and families are struggling. We bring them up to the barn and they get to choose the horse they want to work with, and 9 times out of 10, the horse chooses the child as well. It's an unspoken agreement between the horse and their rider. To watch this process take place has given me goosebumps.</p>
<p>From there on, the bond between the two gets stronger every day. The horse knows the child needs them and I like to think the kids have an idea that the horse needs them as well. Our horses have different personalities, as our kids do, and it is fun to watch them choose a horse who has a similar personality, whether it be goofy, serious, timid, etc. and it is amazing to watch the two work together to fight through some of the battles together.</p>
<p>When we do family sessions, the kids are SO happy to show their four-hoofed partner to their families. It is a relationship they feel safe in and want to share it with everyone. If we are being honest, the best relationship is with a horse, they do not judge, tell you wrong, give you negative feedback; they listen, they give you praise, and they come in with open hearts. I have learned so much from a horse, and I know our kids have too."</p>
<p>God bless you always.</p>
<p>Janet Zinke<br />Senior Development Officer<br />Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch</p>
<p><br />Learn more about Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch at<span> </span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/links_trk/aPqU5MTo?RID=1134&amp;SLID=1132">DakotaRanch.org</a>.<br /><br />You can also follow the Ranch on<span> </span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/links_trk/9L5TAS5K?RID=1134&amp;SLID=1132">Facebook</a><span> </span>and<span> </span><strong><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/links_trk/mQa6yZef?RID=1134&amp;SLID=1132">Twitter</a></strong><em>.</em></p>
<p><strong>Personal Planner<br /></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=34&amp;docID=46&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1308">Family Business - Sell and Retire</a>. Bill and Alice started their family business many years ago. The early years were very challenging. Both worked without salary and it was a great struggle to finally get the business on a solid financial base. <a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=34&amp;docID=46&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1308">Click to read more </a></p>
<p><strong>Savvy Living <br /></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=31&amp;docID=791&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1308">How to Improve Your Balance as You Age</a>. I've always been a walker, but after I fell last month my doctor suggested I start doing some balance exercises. Is this really something I need to practice? <a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=31&amp;docID=791&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1308">Click to read more </a></p>
<p><strong>Donor Story<br /></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=3&amp;storyNum=2&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1308">Remember the Ranch in His Will</a>. Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch recently was notified of a generous bequest from the estate of a dear friend, Mrs. Dorothy Young. <a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=3&amp;storyNum=2&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1308">Click to read more </a></p>
<p><strong>Washington News<br /></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=30&amp;docID=1015&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1308">Blizzard Disaster Relief</a>. On March 9-12, a massive blizzard moved through Nebraska and Iowa. The storm set record low barometric readings in Colorado, Kansas and New Mexico. The greatest impact was in western Kansas. <a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=30&amp;docID=1015&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1308">Click to read more </a></p>
<p><strong>Finances<br /></strong></p>
<p><span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=32&amp;docID=1022&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1308#stocks">Stocks</a></span> - <span>Lululemon Tops Earnings Estimates</span> <span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=32&amp;docID=1022&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1308#stocks">Read more</a></span></p>
<p><span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=32&amp;docID=1022&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1308#bonds">Bonds</a></span> - <span>Yields Rise from 15-Month Lows</span> <span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=32&amp;docID=1022&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1308#bonds">Read more</a></span></p>
<p><span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=32&amp;docID=1022&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1308#interest">CDs and Mortgages</a></span> - <span>Mortgage Rates Experience Largest One-Week Drop in 10 Years</span> <span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=32&amp;docID=1022&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1308#interest">Read more</a></span></p>
<p><em>You can receive more articles like this in your weekly inbox! <a href="https://dakotaranch.giftlegacy.com/?pageID=36">Sign up to receive our FREE weekly e-newsletter</a>.</em></p>
<p><em>Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch is a Christian residential treatment and educational center for children and their families. We help the most troubled, complicated, and amazing kids by providing best-in-class psychiatric therapy and trauma-informed care, where we look kids in the eye, walk with them, and help them become their best selves.</em></p>Mon, 01 Apr 2019 09:57:31 -05002019-04-01T09:57:31-05:002839https://www.dakotaranch.org/blog/archive/ndcfgrant/
GrantsNorth Dakota Community Foundation Funds Mental Health First Aid Training for Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch<p> </p>
<p>North Dakota Community Foundation (NDCF) granted $3,200 to Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch to underwrite the cost of sending one Ranch staff to become a certified instructor of Mental Health First Aid.</p>
<p>Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based public education and prevention tool. The training is a groundbreaking 8-hour training program that teaches the skills needed to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance abuse challenges and crises, and to connect those in need with appropriate support and resources. All Ranch employees are required to attend Mental Health First Aid training.</p>
<p><strong>Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch</strong> is a Christian residential treatment and educational center for children and their families. We help the most troubled, complicated and amazing kids by providing best-in-class psychiatric therapy and trauma-informed care, where we look kids in the eye, walk with them, and help them become their best selves. In addition to Residential Treatment Facilities in Fargo, Bismarck, and Minot, the Ranch provides Outpatient Psychiatric and Psychological Services, and Spiritual Life Programs. Our on-campus school, Dakota Memorial School (DMS), provides a personalized education for kids who have psychiatric, behavioral and trauma issues.</p>
<p>Established in 1976, the <strong>North Dakota Community Foundation</strong> is a public, non-profit tax-exempt corporation which receives and distributes charitable funds to support a wide range of programs which benefit North Dakotans. NDCF currently manages over $83 million in over 700 charitable funds for various North Dakota communities and donors, including 65 community foundations and over 150 scholarship funds. It has made over $72 million in grants to projects and programs in North Dakota since its inception.</p>
<p><strong>For more information contact:</strong><br />Tammy Noteboom, Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch, Fargo, 701-551-6807</p>Wed, 27 Mar 2019 15:41:52 -05002019-03-27T15:41:52-05:002833https://www.dakotaranch.org/blog/archive/kiwanisgrant/
GrantsKiwanis Club of Fargo Funds Purchase of Mattresses for Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch<p>Kiwanis Club of Fargo granted $4,000 to Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch to underwrite the purchase of mattresses, waterproof mattress pads, and bedding for the Al and Johnne Bierdeman Center for Hope and Healing, the Ranch's Fargo residential treatment center.</p>
<p>The Ranch provides a safe and secure home, school, and treatment environment for children ages 12-18. At this location, the Ranch provides the highest level of residential psychiatric treatment available in the United States, outside of an acute hospital setting. The children who come to the Ranch have survived abuse, neglect, and trauma so severe as to create maladaptive coping mechanisms and psychiatric illnesses. Our compassionate, caring, purpose-oriented professionals provide progressive trauma-informed treatment and trauma-sensitive education, helping these amazing children find hope and true healing.</p>
<p><strong>Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch</strong> is a Christian residential treatment and educational center for children and their families. We help the most troubled, complicated and amazing kids by providing best-in-class psychiatric therapy and trauma-informed care, where we look kids in the eye, walk with them, and help them become their best selves. In addition to Residential Treatment Facilities in Fargo, Bismarck, and Minot, the Ranch provides Outpatient Psychiatric and Psychological Services, and Spiritual Life Programs. Our on-campus school, Dakota Memorial School (DMS), provides a personalized education for kids who have psychiatric, behavioral and trauma issues.</p>
<p><strong>The Kiwanis Club of Fargo</strong> is a forward-thinking, service driven organization. The Kiwanis Club of Fargo is part of Kiwanis International, a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. Members of the Kiwanis family stage nearly 150,000 service projects, complete 6 million hours of service, and raise nearly $100 million each year for community projects.</p>Wed, 27 Mar 2019 11:22:52 -05002019-03-27T11:22:52-05:002835https://www.dakotaranch.org/blog/archive/friendsromanscountrymen/
GiftLegacyFriends, Romans, Countrymen<p>"Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears..." If you can finish that line, it's probably because of an English teacher in your childhood.</p>
<p>The children at Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch wrapped up their study of Shakespeare and Julius Caesar by reading these words on March 15th, the Ides of March.</p>
<p>One of our students did the reading, while John Campbell, our Fargo Dean of Students, portrayed the slain Caesar. He lay on the floor with a napkin over his face in the middle of the Thrivent Nutrition Center during lunch. After the reading, the young woman sat down beside me and told me how she enjoyed speech and theater at her last school. You could tell this wasn't her first time in front of an audience.</p>
<p>The discussions that followed the reading were pretty amazing too. Kids talked about Shakespeare and what they were doing in other classes. One teacher said we could celebrate the Ides of every month, and the kids set him straight—explaining why the Ides of March is totally its own thing. I, too, told him that wouldn't work because April 15 is also totally its own thing, Tax Day!</p>
<p>This is the type of interaction you see on our campuses every day. Teachers and staff finding ways to engage our kids in discussions that allow them to freely express their ideas and thoughts. And engage in a little joking banter.</p>
<p>Dakota Memorial School is a very special place for kids who haven't done well in school. Lighting, furniture, sensory tools, and well-trained teachers and staff come together to provide specialized education for our kids. But, that does not mean the curriculum is any less challenging. Our students study Shakespeare, Advanced Chemistry, Algebra, History, Art, Horticulture, Woodworking, Welding, PE, and so much more.</p>
<p>It takes a special kind of person to meet kids where they are at and help them find their own way to learn. I applaud every member of our staff who works with these children. With the help of our donors and friends, we give these children the tools they need to succeed today and in the future.</p>
<p>God bless,</p>
<p>Janet Zinke<br />Senior Development Officer<br />Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch</p>
<p><br />Learn more about Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch at<span> </span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/links_trk/aPqU5MTo?RID=1134&amp;SLID=1132">DakotaRanch.org</a>.<br /><br />You can also follow the Ranch on<span> </span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/links_trk/9L5TAS5K?RID=1134&amp;SLID=1132">Facebook</a><span> </span>and<span> </span><strong><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/links_trk/mQa6yZef?RID=1134&amp;SLID=1132">Twitter</a></strong><em>.</em></p>
<p><strong>Personal Planner<br /></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=34&amp;docID=45&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1303">Loans and Sales to Children</a>. Parents are frequently approached by children who desire loans for various purposes. Parents may make a loan to a child for the down payment on a home, to start a new business, to cover costs for a personal emergency or for education. <a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=34&amp;docID=45&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1303">Click to read more </a></p>
<p><strong>Savvy Living <br /></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=31&amp;docID=790&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1303">Palliative Care Services Can Help Relieve Pain</a>. What can you tell me about palliative care? My husband suffers from lung disease and is receiving radiation for prostate cancer but is not terminally ill. I have heard that palliative care can help him with his pain and discomfort. What can you tell me? <a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=31&amp;docID=790&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1303">Click to read more </a></p>
<p><strong>Donor Story<br /></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=3&amp;storyNum=1&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1303">Loyal friends inspire others to help the children</a>. Arleigh and Mary Jane Jones, of Illinois, have been faithful supporters of Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch for years...<a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=3&amp;storyNum=1&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1303">Click to read more </a></p>
<p><strong>Washington News<br /></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=30&amp;docID=1014&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1303">Taxpayer Advocate Service Scam</a>. The IRS operates the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) to assist taxpayers. As an independent organization within the IRS, the TAS exists to protect your rights as a taxpayer, and help you with tax problems you cannot resolve on your own. <a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=30&amp;docID=1014&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1303">Click to read more </a></p>
<p><strong>Finances<br /></strong></p>
<p><span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=32&amp;docID=1021&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1303#stocks">Stocks</a></span> - <span>General Mills Updates Outlook</span> <span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=32&amp;docID=1021&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1303#stocks">Read more</a></span></p>
<p><span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=32&amp;docID=1021&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1303#bonds">Bonds</a></span> - <span>Yields Invert Following Fed Decision</span> <span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=32&amp;docID=1021&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1303#bonds">Read more</a></span></p>
<p><span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=32&amp;docID=1021&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1303#interest">CDs and Mortgages</a></span> - <span>Mortgage Rates Dip</span> <span><a href="http://dbgrgift.org/?pageID=32&amp;docID=1021&amp;RID=3758&amp;SLID=1303#interest">Read more</a></span></p>
<p><em>You can receive more articles like this in your weekly inbox! <a href="https://dakotaranch.giftlegacy.com/?pageID=36">Sign up to receive our FREE weekly e-newsletter</a>.</em></p>
<p><em>Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch is a Christian residential treatment and educational center for children and their families. We help the most troubled, complicated, and amazing kids by providing best-in-class psychiatric therapy and trauma-informed care, where we look kids in the eye, walk with them, and help them become their best selves.</em></p>Mon, 25 Mar 2019 11:37:02 -05002019-03-25T11:37:02-05:002830https://www.dakotaranch.org/blog/archive/dfsjobopening/
Dakota Family ServicesDakota Family Services Therapist Positions Open in Minot and Fargo<div class="">
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<h1>Join the BEST team of Behavioral Health Providers serving children and adolescents in North Dakota</h1>
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<p>Do you seek challenge, commitment and a sense of community? Do you want to work with the most troubled, complicated and amazing children and adolescents in the state?</p>
<p>A career at Dakota Family Services may be just what you are looking for. It is more than just a job—it can be a vocation. </p>
<p><span>Dakota Family Services is a group of compassionate, practiced experts providing outpatient care for children and adolescents with complex behavioral health issues. As a community-based mental health organization, DFS provides multi-disciplinary outpatient behavioral health services.</span></p>
<p><strong>This is a great place to be if you want to learn from the best!</strong></p>
<p>Our psychologists, psychiatrist, Nurse Practitioners, and therapists are the best in the region when it comes to helping children and adolescents with complex behavioral issues. </p>
<p>They have honed their skills and practices through thousands of hours working with children in the psychiatric facilities at Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch. They want to collaborate with you to provide hope and healing for even more kids.</p>
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<p><span id="Header2"><strong>Therapist Positions Available.</strong></span><br /><span>Dakota Family Services is seeking dedicated therapists to expand its outpatient behavioral health clinics in Minot and Fargo, ND. We are looking for clinicians to provide trauma-informed, family-inclusive, evidence-based care to children with complex needs. This job is right for you if you are devoted to promoting the needs of youth and families, giving them a voice in treatment planning, and advocating for the resources children need to be their best selves.</span></p>
<p><span><strong>Apply now in <a href="https://dakotaranch.bamboohr.com/jobs/view.php?id=200">MINOT</a>.</strong></span></p>
<p><span><strong>Apply now in <a href="https://dakotaranch.bamboohr.com/jobs/view.php?id=199">FARGO</a>.</strong></span></p>Fri, 22 Mar 2019 10:34:13 -05002019-03-22T10:34:13-05:002607https://www.dakotaranch.org/blog/archive/aheartofgold/
Dakota Boys and Girls RanchdonorsFriends of the RanchA Heart of Gold<p>When Gerry Gerntholz met his future wife, Marian, in college at North Dakota State University in Fargo, ND, she already loved Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch.<br /> <br /> “The Ranch touched Marian’s heart, even back then,” Gerry said. “I think Marian learned about the Ranch through her church about the time the Ranch was started. Her love carried through after we were married. Every time she saw something about the Ranch, or we drove through the gates on the Minot campus, she cried for the children.”<br /> <br /> Gerry said the Ranch grew on him, and he and Marian supported its work as much as they were able. “Even when we were young and couldn’t afford much, Marian always put something in the envelope for the Ranch when it came in the mail,” Gerry said.<br />Gerry eventually joined the Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch Foundation board of directors at the recommendation of a friend, and now has been on the board for 14 years.<br /> <br /> When asked why he continues to support the Ranch, Gerry said, “All kids have challenges, but some really have some tough ones. Often times their parents aren’t able or willing to give them what they need. The Ranch gives these kids something to hold onto—faith, a way of life, a way of working with people—and gets them out of the hole they are in.”<br /> <br /> When Marian died 18 months ago, Gerry wanted to do something special in her memory. He gave a portion of her life insurance proceeds to the Ranch. “The Ranch wasn’t listed as a beneficiary on her life insurance, but I thought about how Marian would have wanted it spent. Eighty percent went to our children and 20 percent to the Ranch.”<br /> <br /> Gerry designated the dollars to the Hope in the Heartland campaign, to support the building project in Fargo. In turn, the Narthex in the Fargo chapel will be dedicated to the glory of God and named in memory of Marian Gerntholz.<br /> <br /> When people see Marian’s name on the wall of the Fargo Chapel Narthex, Gerry would like them to remember her strength, her independence, and her kindness. “She was a strong lady,” he said. “She was a people person, and she had a heart of gold.”</p>Fri, 22 Mar 2019 08:00:00 -05002019-03-22T08:00:00-05:00